Keeping the Torch Lit

Torch Burning Bright

The kids and I had the opportunity to go Home Teaching with my husband this week. Home Teaching is where a Couple of Brethren (we went as a family this time) from church go into families homes and share with them an uplifting message that comes from the Ensign (a magazine that is published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints) The First Presidency of the Church take turns in writing a message each month.

For the Month of Oct it was from President Dieter F Uchtdorf  2nd Counselor.  His message titled     "Finish with Your Torch Still Lit" was the one that my husband shared with the family that we went to.

I really loved the message that was taught. And I wondered to myself..."How am I keeping my torch lit and is it staying bright?" 

As I was reading this weeks lesson for my Book of Mormon class, it was from 1 Nephi chapters 15-22. I really started pondering in chapters 21-22. Talking about the Scattering and Gathering of Israel.

We were asked to discuss how knowing what is taught helps find understanding in current and future world events. 

The way that I understand it, is that it talks about the people being all gathered together and taught and then scattered like "Seed" to do a Marvelous work...Missionary work. As missionaries go out and teach the word then they are bringing everyone back together again to be blessed. I had the opportunity to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I served in Seattle WA. It was hard work. And in the beginning I wanted to go back home. We would knock on doors and walk all over trying to share a message and help others "Come, unto Him" It was then that I dropped to my knees and prayed to Heavenly Father and asked for guidance, knowledge, and love and compassion for the people in the areas that I served. I knew that by reading my scriptures and studying the word prayerfully that I could move forward and be more diligent in bringing others to Christ. My "Torch" became brighter. As Pres. Uchtdorf said: "This race of discipleship is not a sprint; it's a marathon. And it makes little difference how fast we go. In fact, the only way we can lose the race is by finally giving in or giving up."  I was NOT going to give in or give up. I knew that was what Satan would want. I loved my experiences in the mission field. Going door to door, baring my testimony, and strengthening my testimony

I am really enjoying my opportunity in PATHWAY. I have loved the gatherings that we have every Thursday. Last night we were taught a study skill to help us as we read the Scriptures. Called cause/effect. So we were given scriptures to read and we needed to find the cause and effect statements in the verses, I was given 1 Nephi Chapter 17. (in this Chapter Nephi has been commanded to build a ship and take the people to the promised land) I read v. 3 "....And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;.." 

SO in this scripture IF they keep the commandments THEN the lord will nourish them and make them strong so that they can fulfill the responsibilities that they have.  Have you ever studied using this method? Look for the cause/effect in your next reading. What must be down to gain or receive what blessing and understanding? 

How are you keeping your Torch lit?